Feline parvovirus is a severe disease that affects cats. While it is different from the strain that infects dogs, it is from the same family of Parvoviridae. Also, it can exhibit similar symptoms in both animals.
The feline parvovirus is also known as cat distemper or feline panleukopenia. It is a very contagious illness that usually infects kittens or unvaccinated cats. The virus is quite resilient and has a high mortality rate if not treated quickly.
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How Does The Feline Parvovirus Spread?
As a highly contagious virus, the spread of feline parvovirus is swift. It can be transmitted from an infected cat or a contaminated environment. The resilience of this particular strain means that it can also survive for years in an environment without a host. It is also transmitted via the placenta from an infected pregnant cat to her kittens.
What Does The Virus Do To Your Cat?
This deadly virus is particularly fast-acting and begins to divide and grow, attacking the cells in a cat’s intestine and bone marrow. Attacking the bone marrow ensures that the cat’s immune system is compromised. Kittens between 3 and 6 months are usually at the highest risk of developing this disease.
Symptoms Of Feline Parvovirus
As parvovirus acts quickly, getting your pet to the vet when symptoms begin to show is essential. While most of these symptoms start off being mild, they get worse as the disease spreads. Quick treatment could be the difference between life and death for your beloved pet.
Excessive Sneezing
If your cat has a fit of sneezing that lasts a long time it could be a sign of an infection.
Eye Discharge
Watery eyes that have some discharge are a symptom of feline distemper. • A runny nose: If your kitty is finding it difficult to breathe it is an indication of a runny nose and a sign of distemper.
Sudden Diarrhea
Parvovirus usually attacks the intestines first. When this happens, your cat will have a sudden onset of diarrhea.
Vomiting
This can get quite severe. Your cat could have an episode of vomiting that goes on for hours.
A Headache
These are a symptom of distemper. You can tell that cat has a headache if it does not want to be petted.
Dehydration
The symptoms above and fever can cause water loss in animals. If your cat is not replenishing fluids, it could lead to dehydration.
Loss of Appetite
One of the first signs your pet is sick is a loss of appetite. In the case of parvovirus, it is possible that your cat might even be hungry but will refuse to eat.
Fever
For a cat, a temperature over 104 degrees is considered a fever.
Loss of Balance
As the disease progresses, it spreads to the cat’s cerebellum causing loss of balance.
Difficulty Walking
Nerve damage is a symptom of feline parvovirus. When this occurs, your cat will find it difficult to walk.
Lethargy
Sleeping more than the usual amount, laziness and not moving much are indicators of parvovirus.
Depression
A common symptom of parvovirus is depression. You can tell that your cat is depressed if it starts meowing a lot or starts behaving aggressively.
Reduced White Blood Count
Attacking the white blood cells can cause your cat to be vulnerable to other infections too.
When your cat first gets infected with this disease, it could show one or two mild symptoms. However, as this is a fast acting and dangerous illness, it is advisable to get to the vet sooner rather than later. If not parvovirus, this could be a symptom of some other severe disease.
Treatment
Though feline parvovirus is a severe disease, it is not incurable. Most cures for feline distemper are supportive. The vet’s job is to ensure that your cat has enough nutrients to help to fight the virus. The vet will give medication to relieve the symptoms of the disease. An IV drip is almost always used, so your cat does not get dehydrated.
Medicines that reduce vomiting and stomach acid are prescribed. The vet will also usually give your cat an antibiotic if any other infections resulting from a lowered immunity.
If your cat has developed severe anemia, it might require a blood transfusion. If the cat has diarrhea and vomiting, the vet will usually keep food away. After 24 hours of no vomiting, you can give the cat small amounts of water. Gradually, you can introduce bland food too. Quality nursing is essential in these cases as treatment is mainly supportive. Ensure the cat is clean and does not have any urine of fecal matter on its body. This could reduce more infections.
Fermented fish broth and raw goat’s milk are alternative remedies that have shown to be effective. These provide adequate nutrition and energy to your cat, so it has the strength to fight the illness.
Preventing Parvovirus
Vaccinations against parvovirus are part of the essential list of immunizations that kittens are given. The virus is present in the natural environment. And since it is contagious, it is especially necessary to immunize your cats against it. This vaccine does not entirely eliminate your cat’s risk of contracting this disease. However, it does significantly reduce the chances that your pet will be infected.
If you are bringing a new cat or kitten home, it is a good idea first to take it to the vet. A check-up will provide you peace of mind and get your kitten early treatment if it is sick. If you have other cats at home, this is an especially vital practice. If you work in a shelter, it is standard practice to wash your hands before handling different kittens. It is also a good idea to get your cat sitter to wash their hands. This is especially necessary if they have cats at home or work with other felines.
As the feline parvovirus is treated with supportive treatment, it is critical to ensure your kitty has a healthy diet. A healthy food strengthens the immune system which in turn prevents diseases. It is also what is needed for your cat to fight the virus if it gets infected.
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Conclusion
The parvovirus is by no means a small illness and can lead to a lot of stress. The thing to remember is that it is curable. Ensure your kitty knows you are there and make sure you go to a vet you trust. Though it is painful and scary, proper care and love should have your kitty back home in no time.